Conflicts That Can Occur Within an Organization

¶ … conflicts that can occur within an organization due to problems related to leadership and emotional intelligence. While in command of twelve troops serving in Iraq between June 2008 and June 2009, I witnessed abuses of power and authority that have transformed my personal leadership style and vision. After being placed in command, I was determined to boost morale among the troop. However, my own morale was soon to be shattered by misplaced trust in my commanding officers.

A string of personal events arose, presenting a prime opportunity for my commanding officers to display emotional intelligence, critical and creative thinking with regards to how to help officers perform well under stress, and conflicting obligations. My sister emailed to tell me that my apartment at home had caught fire and there were significant damages. My own family was staying elsewhere and no one was hurt.

Yet my apartment had caught fire while a good friend was staying there: someone I knew for more than 20 years who needed a place to stay. I had already been scheduled to take a personal leave to spend time with my children, and figured that a few extra days for tending to the fire cleanup would be warranted. When I requested a few extra days of leave, though, I was denied. The command felt that I should have cancelled the plans with my kids, and handle the fire issue instead.

I disagreed with their assessment, and requested reconsideration. I was turned down a second time. Seeking an immediate solution, I went to see my congressman to initiate an inquiry and a possible solution to my problem. All of it was in vain. During my leave, I did see my daughters. But I barely had time to clean and salvage my burned apartment. After a week of being back in Iraq, not one member of my chain of command requested to meet with me and see how I was doing.

This lack of concern discouraged me and my morale dipped more. Frustration grew by the day. I requested to leave the mission and go home a few months early. The request was denied on the spot. My commanding officer's lack compassion was disturbing, especially given the fact that the mental health of his troops is a major factor in productivity and.